S.H.S.’s Scholastic Bowl Program is kicking off this fall, bringing together eager students to compete in academic challenges. 

  Scholastic Bowl has been at S.H.S. for many years allowing students to use their knowledge and embrace their differences, encouraging academic competition and teamwork. Participants answer questions on a variety of topics and subjects, including literature, science, history, math, and pop culture. 

  In Scholastic Bowl, students are placed in a lineup of five people as a single team against a single opposing team. A moderator will announce trivia questions to both teams simultaneously and both teams have the opportunity to have one person buzz in and answer.

  The first question is what is called a “toss-up” question in which any player can buzz in at any given moment during the question; however, they can not converse with teammates. If the wrong answer is given, that team’s opportunity is over and the opposing team will be given a chance to answer the question. 

  After a correct answer is given, a series of bonus questions will be given after which teams can discuss answers with fellow team members before they give the final answer. If no team answers correctly to the “toss-up” question, there will be no set of bonus questions and the moderator will continue to the next “toss-up.”

  Coach Nicole Schlemmer is entering her second year coaching the club and is using her experience from her previous year, progressing this season. 

  Schlemmer commented, “I have learned that there are definitely going to be tough questions that no one knows the answers to, and that we just have to focus on tackling the ones that we confidently do know.” 

  The new year also brings both returning and new members to the team. Returning senior Jubraan Alkhalaf likes “how fun it is, especially because Mrs. Schlemmer allows us to joke and have fun while still practicing.” 

  Returning member senior Lisandra Calderon commented that she is “very excited to meet all the new members and create a team bond like the one we had last year.”

  New players are excited to gain new knowledge and make relationships and connections throughout the season. 

  Newcomer junior Leila Anderson noted that although “I am excited to try something new and challenge myself; I am nervous to compete against players with more experience.” 

  As new and old players expand their knowledge, connections, and friendships, the Scholastic Bowl season at S.H.S. is something to keep a watchful eye on in coming months.